compile

verb

com·​pile kəm-ˈpī(-ə)l 

compiled; compiling

transitive verb

1

: to compose out of materials from other documents

compile a statistical chart

2

: to collect and edit into a volume

compile a book of poems

3

: to build up gradually

compiled a record of four wins and two losses

4

: to run (something, such as a program) through a compiler

Synonyms

• anthologize
• collect

Examples of compile in a Sentence

He compiled a book of poems.

She compiled a list of names.

They took the best submissions and compiled them in a single issue of the magazine.

We compiled our findings in the report.

Recent Examples on the Web

This pesky style of hockey requires a roster compiled of open-ice skaters with enough endurance to keep up with the workload. —Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

In order to assist Americans planning their next trips abroad, Newsweek will be compiling a list of the travel advisories released by the U.S. Department of State throughout the month of June. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025

Hoiberg compiled a 115-155 record with one first-round playoff exit before he was fired in December 2018. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025

Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. —Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 1 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French compiler, from Latin compilare to plunder

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for compile

• argyle
• awhile
• beguile
• condyle
• defile
• erstwhile
• exile
• freestyle
• gentile
• hairstyle
• lifestyle
• meanwhile

Kids Definition

compile

verb

com·​pile kəm-ˈpīl 

compiled; compiling

1

: to collect into a volume or list

compile a book of poems

2

: to put together in a new form out of materials from other books or documents

compile a history of India

3

: to translate (as a computer program) with a compiler